Arabic version: البرلمان يكرّم هيلين هاينز بعد هجوم مستهدف

According to ABC News, federal parliament suspended normal business on Monday for hours of messages supporting Independent Member for Indi Helen Haines and her family after she was seriously injured in what police say was a targeted attack outside her Wangaratta office a week earlier.

An orange cardboard cockatoo was placed in parliament to save Ms Haines’s seat. MPs described her kindness, wisdom and commitment to civility, while crossbench colleagues spoke of her role in helping community-backed independents navigate parliament. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was hard not to look towards where she would normally sit.

Ms Haines was hit by a man driving his car, and both of her legs were later amputated. Allegra Spender said the attack should not only shock parliament but change it. Zali Steggall said discussion was needed on regional health and mental health services, polarisation, harmful online debate and greater civility in disagreement, adding: “Let light win over darkness.”

Tributes also noted Ms Haines’s advocacy for temporary disaster roaming, which was adopted by the federal government, and for the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Several politicians committed to a Civility Pledge, which Ms Haines had been the first MP to sign earlier this year. MPs also praised people who helped after the attack, including local barber Ricky Jefferies.

Mr Albanese warned against a “rising tide of rage”, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke relayed Phil Haines’s call for parliamentarians to consider not only their words but who might hear them. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said Ms Haines returning to her seat would be a “resounding moment for democracy”.